Goode free to play after RFU hearing

Fly half Andy Goode has today (Monday) been told he is free to play the rest of the season after an RFU disciplinary hearing over his red card against Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.

The red card issued to Goode for a dangerous charge on Leicester Tigers' Tom Croft during the league fixture at Welford Road on Friday, March 30 was deemed sufficient at an RFU hearing.

The RFU Disciplinary Panel of His Honour Judge Jeff Blackett (chair), Peter Budge and Robert Horner decided that the offence was at the low end of seriousness and that mitigating factors - the consequences of the charge were minimal, the player's remorse and good record over a long career - were compelling.

Head Coach Richard Hill said: "We are obviously pleased that Andy will be available for selection for the remainder of the season and the manner in which the case was dealt with by the disciplinary panel."